Michelle Obama to attend funeral for young performer

WASHINGTON 
A White House official says Michelle Obama will attend Saturday’s funeral for the 15-year-old Chicago girl who was killed after returning home from performing during inauguration festivities for President Barack Obama.

Hadiya Pendleton was killed in a park close to the Obamas’ home on Chicago’s South Side. Police say a gunman hopped a fence and opened fire on a group of young people, killing the drum majorette.

No arrests have been made in the case, police said.

White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, both from Chicago, also will attend the funeral.

The girl’s death brought renewed attention to Chicago’s homicide rate and the debate over gun violence in America.